Helen Brockley, a neighbour and friend of Mr Mooring for over 25 years, said: “This isn’t what John wanted.

“He wanted his animals to see out their final days here; that was his wish.

“He would be really distressed if he knew Trevor Denton, executor of his will, was having all these problems.”

Mr Mooring died of an angina attack on February 3, leaving two dogs, five goats, two ponies, three chickens and a half a dozen Shetland ponies.

Within weeks of his death, the sanctuary sought the valuation of the 17th century farmhouse, where Mr Mooring is buried alongside his beloved animals.

Friend Jo Rattley added: “It’s not that we begrudge the sanctuary the place; it is theirs and we are looking after it because John was our good friend.

“But it is like they are in a massive rush for the money. They’ll get it, nobody is going to steal it, but John wanted the animals to stay here.

“They may be following the letter of the law but certainly not the spirit.”

Mr Mooring, a former worker with Dr Barnardo’s and senior social worker for Wakefield council, dedicated the latter years of his life to taking in rescued animals.

At one point he had dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, ponies and cow – caring for them night and day.

Executor Trevor Denton knew Mr Mooring for 43 years and said he would be ‘rolling about in his grave’ over what has happened.

He said: “John did say in his will that the animals would be cared for by the sanctuary or by consultation with myself.

“It was his hope they would remain there and I was hopeful I could follow his wishes, but that hasn’t happened as we hoped.

“I am sure John would have found it disappointing.”

Sue McMeela, a trustee at the Rotherham sanctuary, said they were advised to sell at auction, saying: “Thornberry is a charity and it is run by trustees on behalf of the Charity Commission and the Charity Commission want it to go to auction.

“It may say in his wishes but it doesn’t say that in his will. Trevor Denton did his best to abide by his wishes but we must sell the farm at auction, we have no other option.”